Skin Care – Utah

Microdermabrasion and chemical peel both achieve their results by removing the top layers of the skin and stimulating new skin growth. Microdermabrasion does this by “sandblasting” and vacuuming. Microdermabrasion treatments are effective in treating acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, minor pigment problems, large pores, and uneven skin tone. A series of 5 to 7 treatments is recommended, each visit requiring approximately 15 to 30 minutes. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the microdermabrasion session. Microdermabrasion is most effective when combined with other “deep” treatments. Click Here for more information on microdermabrasion

Note: Utah Clinics Surface Med use only medical grade microdermabrasion units rather than the usual over-the-counter models that some spas are now using.

Several types of peels are available. Light peels are made of a glycolic acid solution in concentrations much stronger than those available in over-the-counter products containing alpha hydroxy acids. Medium peels go deeper within the skin using a solution of trichloroacetic acid or TCA. (The Obagi Blue Peel has dramatically improved the administration of this peel.) The harshest peels use phenol acid. This type of peel may only be administered in a hospital setting, due to the potential of dangerous side effects and are rarely used any longer.

A light peel of glycolic solution will leave your face red, but it probably will not actually peel. A TCA peel causes your facial skin to turn white shortly after the peel is administered. By the next day your skin will turn red and then start to peel off. Your skin will scab over and then reveal healthier, new skin. The recovery time usually takes about two weeks. Discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications. Click Here for more information on chemical peels

Collagen materials were the first popular fillers in the US and were made from bovine (cow) collagen. Allergies were a problem and the time period from testing for cow collagen allergies to treatment could be two months. The newest collagen is of human origin (not from people) and doesn’t require skin testing since there are no allergies to worry about. This material comes in several forms depending on the area being treated. It is commonly used to treat facial wrinkles and lips and lasts from three to six months. Collagen fillers can also be very helpful in “trying out” the correction for individual wrinkles or furrows before semi- permanent filler injections are used.

Botox is now the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States.

Radiance and Silikon 1000 are the only two fillers currently approved for use in the US. Both of these semi-permanent fillers are made up of inert sugars and last up to seven years. This length of time is ideal since we can continue to treat these wrinkles as they change over time rather than using truly permanent fillers that can’t be altered. Surface uses Radiance exclusively due to its safety and clinical trial results.)

Wrinkles respond best to a combination of surface and deep skin treatments. Botox, filler injections, microdermabrasion, Collagen lasers, Chemical peels, Thermage, and FotoFacials all work together effectively. Consulting a specialist will help you decide upon the best treatment regimen for your individual needs.